What do you find is the best Pilates for toning stomach and legs? I do Windsor pilates and have a great 20 minute workout but there's so many different types out there, I'm wondering if anyone has any favorites??
I love Pilates For Dummies. It is a very simple, structured workout that combines the traditional aerobic moves with yoga postures. The leader is named Tracey, but I don't remember her last name. Half of the DVD is floor work and the other is upright. I really like how simple but challenging the program is, and it is adaptable for my level of fitness all the way to intense levels. I highly recommend that DVD!
I think that, like yoga, it's really worth it to have at least one class or session with a trainer, and then to carry that home with you for all the work you do on your own.
I take classes twice a week, because the instructor at my gym is a gifted teacher & really passionate about the body, and it's a pleasure to wotk with her. Also, I find it's invaluable to have standing over you during class & correcting your form. I also try to do Pilates on my own, outside of class, using the moves in class but also consulting a book & some Web sites -- they are all pretty standard -- but that's just to get the sequence of moves worked out -- to set up the choreography -- because the teacher has already made me aware of my little cheats & weaknesses, from observing me.
i don't know what all of the moves are called. but on the reformer, arms up at shoulder level in the straps and bring them all the way down, or start with arms bent and bring them down in line with the body. also legs up in straps at a 90 degree angle and bring them down. also legs circles, and frog presses. those are a couple of the ones that seem to really help me with core strength.
I also recommend taking classes with an actual instructor to correct your posture. I see a lot of people in class in positions that look like they'll hurt themselves and they'll get corrected. I've been gently repositioned as well quite a few times in different classes, sometimes small things that wouldn't even occur to you. I understand that this may be out of your price range though.
My new favorite workout is Jules Benson Core Pilates. The core work is amazing and the leg workout, well let's just say I can barely finish it without crying. Unbelievable.
I also have a Windsor Pilates DVD (the one with the ball), which I like, but I think that the Jules Benson one is a better workout in the end. More of a combo Pilates & traditional strength training. I ordered it from Amazon.
I agree about considering taking at least 1 class somewhere. I did not do this, but have a dance background so am very tuned in to form. I can see how it would be easy to do the moves improperly & either (a) get injured or (b) feel like ou aren't getting much of a workout. I know you didn't ask this question, so sorry if it is off topic.
For all those who do Pilates
